Overview
- MTC USC Columbia Student Incubator
- What is our mission?
- Who do we accept?
- What are the Admission criteria?
- What are our objectives?
- What does our facility have to offer?
- How do I get more information?
- Where can I get an application?
MTC USC
Columbia Student Incubator
The MTC USC Columbia Student Incubation Program is currently home to two student
companies. Since its inception in February 18, 2003, it has provided
opportunities for student entrepreneurs to commercialize their ideas, produced
successful, financially viable and freestanding businesses, and create jobs in
the community
Our mission
The mission of the MTC//USC/Columbia Student Incubator is to increase the
vitality of the regional economy by recruiting and nurturing start-up companies
that advance technological development, employ highly skilled workers and
contribute to the economic development of the area.
Our Program
The MTC Student Incubator Program hosts two student companies at a time
- Student: For Midlands Technical College students
interested in starting a company
- Criteria:- Midlands Technical College students, faculty, staff, or facilities (on a non-interference basis)
- Company has a business plan
- Company will need to located at MTC/USC/Columbia Technology Incubator in downtown Columbia
- Company should graduate from program in two years
The MTC and USC Research Foundations split 10% equity in the company.
- Benefits: As part of the project, Incubator participants
will receive essentials needed to start their own business
-Including:
- Business license
- $1,000 dollars in total capitalization for starting their company
- Office space, equipment and furniture for up to two years
- Regular consultation and mentoring by USC and MTC business professionals.
- Admission Criteria
- College and/or University Interaction
The company should have a substantial interaction with Midlands Technical College or contribute to the educational mission.
- Entrepreneurial Capabilities
The entrepreneur should have adequate technical education or business experience to exploit the technology. The entrepreneur should exhibit integrity, dedication, and commitment.
- Job Creating Potential
The company should create jobs that contribute to South Carolina's economic development.
- Growth Potential
The product or service should have the potential to reach significant revenue levels, graduate from the incubator in two and continue growing.
- Documented Business Plan
The business plan should include market analysis, financial projections, funding requirement, background on the management team and related information.
- Team Building Potential
The entrepreneur should be willing to accept guidance, share management responsibility with others, and possibly give up equity to make the company successful. A management team may be developed for a particularly promising technology.
- College and/or University Interaction
- To promote, stimulate, and support economic development in the Columbia Region, and the South Carolina Midlands.
- To focus on emerging technology-driven companies, corporate spin-offs, faculty-owned companies, and non-South Carolina and international firms.
- To provide a broad scope of services including cost-effective space and support, prototype manufacturing facilities, product realization and development services and business consultation.
- To stimulate interaction with University of South Carolina and/or Midlands Technical College resources such as student interns, faculty and staff expertise, unique research and development facilities and business management expertise.
- To provide real-world experience for faculty, staff, and students in curricular innovation, research, and technology development.
- Location: Downtown Columbia. 7-8 blocks from USC Columbia Campus Center. 1225 Laurel Street, Columbia, SC. 29201
- Space: Approximately 43,000 square feet includes offices and potential laboratories.
- Tenant Requirements: Need to use USC or MTC Students, Faculty, Staff or Facilities. Technology Oriented. Have Business Plan.
- Management: Managed by the USC Research Foundation, under memorandum of agreement with the University of South Carolina.
Information
Students wishing to learn more about the Incubator project should call David Carter at 803-822-3603 or e-mail carterd@midlandstech.edu.
Application
For a downloadable version of the student application for the Incubator partnership, click here. All applications must have a business plan attached.
For more information on the application process and the business plan , call David Carter at 803-822-3603 or e-mail carterd@midlandstech.edu.
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